Czech pride had taken a bit of a beating during last years IIHF World Championship, where, right in Prague, the national team lost in the quarterfinals to USA. With no medal of any colour since winning three straight from 1999 - 2001, Czech Republic put an end to the dry spell here in Austria.

Although superstar Jaromir Jagr led the way offensively, team defense was what spearheaded the Czechs to the title. During the five games of the Preliminary and Qualifying Rounds, they surrendered a measly five goals. By the time the Playoff Round came, the Czechs were already in "protect first - attack second" mode. The formula seemed to work as they got to the final via a shootout win followed by an overtime victory. It didn't hurt that Tomas Vokoun was at the top of his game anchoring the whole team, which went on to shutout Canada in the final and end the event only giving up nine goals against in nine games.